The Crocodilian

January --

8 - Students Return

9 - Good News Club resumes (registered students only)

13- 17 HEC Celebrates Exceptional Children's Week (see graphic below with details)

13 - Wear A Positive Shirt

14 - Light It Up Blue for Autism - wear something blue

15 - Wacky Sock Wednesdsay for Down Syndrome Awareness

16 - Super Fan Day ~ Be A Sport & Support Special Olympics, and Hat Day

Early Release Day, Dismissal at 11:40am

Elementary Magnet Fair at CATE Center

17 - Embrace Your Differences Day - Wear tie die clothing,

Leadership Assemblies (K5-5th grade, see graphic below)

20 - No School, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

24 - PBIS Glow Party (school daytime event)

29 - Magnet/Choice Application closes

Happy New Year!

I hope this message finds you well-rested and excited for the start of a brand-new semester. As we welcome 2025, I am thrilled to have our students, staff, and families back together, ready to continue our journey of learning, growth, and achievement.

The first semester was filled with incredible milestones and successes, and I am confident that the second half of the school year will be just as rewarding. Our dedicated team of educators has been working hard to ensure that every student thrives academically, socially, and emotionally.

• Stay Connected: Please continue to check our school website, newsletters, and social media for important updates and events.

• Engagement Opportunities: We encourage parents to get involved by attending workshops, volunteering, or joining the PTO. Your support makes a tremendous difference in our school community.

• Goals for the Semester: We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and challenging learning environment where every student can achieve their full potential.

Thank you for your unwavering support and partnership in your child's education. Together, we can make this semester a memorable and impactful one for every student at H.E. Corley Elementary School.

Here’s to a fantastic semester ahead! Let’s make 2025 a year to remember.

Warm Regards,

Principal Melanie Harris

H.E. Corley Elementary is excited to once again support and raise awareness for the Special Olympics! Each year, we look forward to promoting this important cause through fundraising and community engagement. This year, our efforts include Spirit Week, Hat Day, and the Penny Wars competition.

• Spirit Week: Students and staff are invited to dress up and participate throughout the week. Dress up days are listed below.

• Hat Day Fundraiser: On Thursday, January 16th, students and staff can pay $2 to wear their favorite hat.

• Penny Wars Competition: Running from January 13th to 17th, we’ll collect loose change in buckets located in the Media Center. The administrator with the most money in their bucket will be covered in silly string during the School-Wide Morning Meeting later this month!

All proceeds will benefit the HEC Polar Plunge team and support the Special Olympics. Thank you for helping us make a difference!

Thank you for your unwavering support and partnership in your child's education. Together, we can make this semester a memorable and impactful one for every student at H.E. Corley Elementary School.

In May 2024, the South Carolina Legislature passed Proviso 1.103, entitled Anti-Bullying/School Safety. As a part of this Proviso, to receive state funds allocated for State Aid to Classrooms, all school districts in South Carolina shall implement a policy by January 1, 2025, that prohibits access to personal electronic communication devices by students during the instructional day. For purposes of this Proviso, a personal electronic communication device is considered to be a device not authorized for classroom use by a student, utilized to access the internet, wi-fi, or cellular telephone signals.

On October 28, 2024, School District Five of Lexington-Richland Counties Board of Trustees approved the adoption of Policy JICJ - Personal Electronic Device During the School Day. This Policy states that no personal wireless communication device or device accessory connected to a wireless communication device will be used from the morning tardy bell until afternoon dismissal, which is the conclusion of the instructional day.

However, as with many policies, exceptions are made under specific circumstances. Exceptions are made for emergency situations as determined by the school district; and for students that require personal electronic devices for purposes of their individualized education program (IEP), Medical Plan, or 504 Plan. This Policy does not apply to school buses, field trips, or athletic events.

Parents are asked to remind their child(ren) that the expectation for all students is that personal electronic devices and their accessories are to be silenced and stored away from the morning tardy bell until afternoon dismissal, during the change of classes, and during the lunch period. If the student is seen with a device or device accessory that violates Board Policy JICJ, the student will be asked to silence and store the device away.

In the rare instance when a student refuses to comply, the student will be subject to progressive discipline as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct Handbook under “Refusal to Obey” (1.270 or 2.270). Any student who uses a personal electronic device to record and/or distribute inappropriate or disruptive content of other students while on school grounds is subject to disciplinary actions.

It is the District’s hope that parents/guardians will partner with their students’ schools to ensure that all students are aware of the expectations in the District Policy and State Law (effective January 1, 2025).